Weekly Broadcast 23 May 2010.

Good morning this is VK2ATZ Here is a summary of news and events for Amateur Radio Operators brought to you by Westlakes Amateur Radio Club Inc.This Broadcast can be heard at 09.00 hrs each Sunday on 146.775 MHz and it is followed by the VK1WIA news. Those with HF facilities will notice there is no simulcast on 80 metres this morning as Warren VK2UWP is otherwise engaged, however this evenings re-read by Warren on 3.565 MHz can be heard at 1900 hours.

The first item today is news of VK100WIA. It is officially on the air. This special callsign to commemorate the Centenary of Organised Amateur Radio in Australia and the foundation of the WIA, logged its first 1,000 contacts by last Wednesday. Among them were some 25 DX different countries. Stations have also been worked in all VK states, the Northern Territory and Norfolk Island.

The WIA has first dibbs at VK100WIA until the 31st May and then the call gets handed to clubs in 3-day slots. Westlakes club has the last 3-day slot from October 29th to 31st and then the callsign will be put away forever.

And while on matters WIA, it has just been announced  that a revised date has been chosen for the forthcoming National Field Day. In the original planning, it was considered that the activity generated in the last 3 hours of the National Field Day would not cause undue traffic or interference with the Oceania DX Phone Contest.
It was even felt that it could be beneficial for the VK6 Stations to provide activity on the Bands. However, following the consideration of a submission including what the WIA calls "various logistical and safety issues", the date of the National Field Day has been moved to the new date of the 23rd of October. I wonder what the "safety issues" could be?

Westlakes week-long CQ Repeater Contest conluded on 7th May and the Contest Manager, Allan VK2JED, reminds us that the deadline for logs is 28th MAY - that's next Friday. All logs please to The Contest Manager, C/- Westlakes ARC, PO Box 3001, Teralba 2284 or email to contestmanager@westlakesarc.org.au

The meat raffle - New blood entered the winner's circle yesterday in the form of Ken VK2KJ after last week's winner, Gary VK2MMM drew ken's winning ticket from the tumble-turn barrel. Congratulations Ken. And I would like  those who support the weekly meat tray raffle - it raised $1250 in the last financial year - and that's enough to cover the cost of ourlease, water rates,and phone account.

Just when you thought you had seen it all at Westlakes, something different arrives - second hand clothes were on hand yesterday. The price was right - free. Some items had never been worn. I scored a shirt (and it fits). Thank you EO.

It's on again - Westlakes Mini Field Day in the club grounds York Steet Teralba next Sunday 30th May. Admission is free - all are welcome to attend. The usual attractions will be there boot sales, auction, "make an offer" store sales, barbecue lunch, drinks lollies and chocolates. The gates open at 9am. Remember you never know what you will find or who you will see at a Westlakes Field day.

Overseas news -it was announced yesterday in the UK that Google has launched a TV service that combines live television with the web.This new "smart TV" service allows people to search both live channels as well as content from websites such as YouTube. Special TV sets - or normal TVs connected to a Google box - will also allow people to access the web and download applications.The first TV sets will be produced by Sony and should be available by September. A Google spokesperson said that Video should be watched on the biggest, brightest, and best screen in the house - the television and that's not a PC. Adding there were currently 4 billion TV users worldwide and that around $70 billion was spent annually on adverts in the US alone. so there it is.... the "giggle box" looks like becoming a "Google box."

The club is about to purchase a number of Fred Swainston's popular Radio Theory Handbook. this is the 5th edition which has been completely revised and comes with a CD. The members of our current theory class will want a copy and if any other others are interested please advise me but be quick. Westlakes will obtain the books at a reduced rate. The "reduced" rate is $110 (not cheap, but then try buying one on your own). The order will be placed tomorrow morning and it will be a "one-off" purchase. Contact me today, Greg VK2CW on 49632633 for more information.

And finally a weather bulletin - I am able to report that the current temperature in Lithgow is 3.6 degrees C. They breed 'em tough in Lithgow.

If you want to learn what is happening at your club in the coming week join the group each Saturday at 8am for the EZB net on 146.775 MHz Early risers are reminded to tune to 3.588MHz each Saturday mornings at 6am for the Stone the Crows Net.

That concludes Westlakes segment of this week news.

To find out more about Westlakes Amateur Radio Club, or Amateur Radio in
general, leave a message on our 24 hour voice mail box on 02 49-581588. Please
wait for instructions before leaving your message. All correspondence should be
addressed to The Secretary, Box 3001, Teralba, NSW, 2284 or email: secretary@westlakesarc.org.au

Further information is available on our website at www.westlakesarc.org.au

Westlakes Amateur Radio Club is located in York Street, Teralba and is open for business on
Saturday from 12:00 midday and from approximately 6.00pm Tuesdays Call in and say Hello.....
Tea and Coffee are always on!
Amateur Radio is a great hobby become active and enjoy it.